Boys' MVP Award

The Boys' Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award at the St. Pius X Christmas Classic is named in memory of Mark A. Jardina. Mark was a student at St. Pius X, graduating in the Class of 1988. During his four years at St. Pius X, Mark was a wonderful friend to many, a great student, athlete and a valued teammate.

Mark was born and raised in Atlanta, the fifth of six children, who all attended St. Pius X between 1977 and 1989. His parents are Angela and Phil Jardina, and had one sister and four brothers: Mary (‘81), Mike (‘82), Paul (‘83), Matt (‘85) and Larry (‘89).

Mark attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating from the school of Management in 1993. He was successful in business during the years that followed, including a stint at the JJ Jardina family produce business. Mark married Joanna Mitchell, a native of Eufaula, Alabama, and brought two wonderful children into this world, Annie (13) and Luke (11). He was involved in the community, cared about those around him, and cared deeply about his Catholic faith. He was an active member of the Cathedral of Christ the King.

While Mark was a multisport athlete at St. Pius X, he was best known for his skills as a basketball player. He was a tenacious competitor, a supportive teammate, and never saw a shot that he didn’t like on the court. And he made a great deal of them too! Mark played the game with passion, sportsmanship and competitiveness, and truly made his team better. Mark's legacy and love of sports lives on in the Mark A. Jardina Foundation, an organization whose mission is to support and develop programs in underserved communities that enhance lives through physical activity.

The Jardina Family is honored to have “The Mark A. Jardina MVP Award” named in his memory. This award is to honor him and all that he meant to the St. Pius X community, and for the many blessings his life bestowed on us all. Thank you.